إشعياء ٦:١٣

Hitherto, it should seem, Isaiah had prophesied as a candidate, having only a virtual and tacit commission; but here we have him (if I may so speak) solemnly ordained and set apart to the prophetic office by a more express or explicit commission, as his work grew more upon his hands: or perhaps, having seen little success of his ministry, he began to think of giving it up; and therefore God saw fit to renew his commission here in this chapter, in such a manner as might excite and encourage his zeal and industry in the execution of it, though he seemed to labour in vain. In this chapter we have, I. A very awful vision which Isaiah saw of the glory of God (Isa 6:1-4), the terror it put him into (Isa 6:5), and the relief given him against that terror by an assurance of the pardon of his sins (Isa 6:6, Isa 6:7). II. A very awful commission which Isaiah received to go as a prophet, in God's name (v. 8), by his preaching to harden the impenitent in sin and ripen them for ruin (v. 9-12) yet with a reservation of mercy for a remnant, (v. 13). And it was as to an evangelical prophet that these things were shown him and said to him.

6:13 Even if a tenth—a remnant—survive, the judgment would continue until nearly all were destroyed. The prophet often spoke of near extermination or decimation (9:18-21; 10:20; 22:4; 48:19; 51:18) but maintained the hope of a remnant who would make a new beginning (7:21-22; 29:23; 37:31; 44:26; 49:19; 54:1). • Israel’s stump will be a holy seed: The stump represents a remnant of holy people (see 4:2-3) whose new leader would be pleasing to the Lord (11:1).